Ayoub El Kaabi's Breathtaking Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Triumph Over the Coelacanths in Afcon Opener.
Host nation the Moroccan side overcame a nervy start to defeat their island opponents in the tournament's inaugural fixture on Sunday, thanks to the Real Madrid attacker and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a far from convincing display, though, from the strongly favored Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places higher than the tiny Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and were forced to toil hard for the points in rainy conditions at Rabat's national stadium.
Nervy Beginning and Spurned Chances
Morocco missed an first-half spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at half-time even with dominating the ball, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal came when Noussair Mazraoui did well to prevent the ball from going out before laying it across for Brahim Díaz to sidefoot home.
Every opening game is never easy but we came good in the second period,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Piece of Magic
Any lingering nerves was then eased by a piece of pure individual brilliance from substitute El Kaabi. Just 10 minutes after coming on, the forward connected with a cross with a stunning bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and ensuring the result.
Before that, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was given for a challenge on Díaz. Yet, Soufiane Rahimi effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.
Comoros Defiant Stand and Second-Half Opportunity
Comoros stoutly defended against their more illustrious opponents at bay until the hosts' greater quality eventually made the difference.
Shot-stopper Yannick Pandor pulled off several other good stops to limit the score as the game wore on, although his team created a clear opportunity for an equalizer shortly following Díaz's goal, with Rafiki Saïd firing directly into keeper Bounou.
Fitness Concern for Morocco
The victory was partially overshadowed by an apparent injury to Morocco's captain, Saïss, who limped off in the 18th minute in tears.
This defender had just returned to the international setup recently after a lengthy layoff caused by ankle surgery.
This result continues the team's record-breaking run of successive victories to 19, beating the previous best of 15 set by the Spanish national team from 2008 and 2009.
